THE APPEARANCE OF KING PRTHU

NARRATOR: In the Vedic social system the king was seen as a representative of Lord Narayana Himself, and it was his duty to protect the citizens and lead them on the path of godly life. If, for some reason, the king did not do this properly then the brahmanas and sages would occasionally interfere in such political events to set matters right, although strictly speaking this is not their duty. One example of this is the story of King Anga and his son Venawhich led to the apperance of the Supreme Lord Visnu as an empowered incarnation in the form of King Prthu. The great King Anga who was a most pious and religious man once arranged for the performance of a sacrifice known as asvamedha yajna at which all the most expert brahmanas were present.

SCENE I The Arena of Sacrifice.

On stage: Brahmanas performing the sacrifice - plus king Anga and Sunitha, his wife. The brahmanas are performing the sacrifice but are becoming anxious as it does not seem to be working.

I BRAHMANA: O worthy Anga, know for certain that the performance of this sacrifice is without flaw or fault of any kind. But though the clarified butter has been properly offered into the sacred fire, the demigods do not accept these oblations.

ANGA: But what is the reason for this. O best of the brahmanas, you whoseknowledge is without limit, please tell me why this great endeavour brings no success.

I BRAHMANA: O king, we know that the paraphernalia to perform the sacrifice is well collected by you with great faith and care and is not polluted. Our chanting of the Vedic hymns also is not deficient in any way beacuse all the brahmanas and priests present here are expert and are executing the performances properly. I see no cause for the demigods to feel in any way insulted or neglected but still they do not accept their shares. I do not know why this is so.

ANGA: O my Lords, who is there within the three worlds with greater wisdom than yourselves? Where else am I to find shelter? What offense I have committted that the great demigods although invited do not take part in this sacrifice or

accept their share?

(The priests and brahmanas confer)

II BRAHMANA: My dear Anga, most pious kings, certainly in this life you have not performed any sinful activities even within your mind, but the fact that you have no son, despite all your qualifications indicates that in a previous lifetime you did not live completely in accordance with scriptural injunction and for this reason the demigods will not partake of your offering.

But if you pray to the Supreme Lord Hari for a son and perform a sacrifice for that purpose certainly He will fulfill your desire, for when He is invited all the other demigods will accompany Him. We wish all good fortune unto you and therefore we will offer oblations unto Lord Visnu so that you may achieve His mercy.

(They continue the sacrifice and an effulgent personality appears from the fire carrying a golden pot, which he offers to Anga and then retires.)

ANGA: My Lords, this must surely be a great boon offered to me by the Supreme Lord, due to your mercy upon me. Now with your permission I will partake of this sweet rice which I have received from the sacrificial fire.

I BRAHMANA: My dear king, may you always receive the Lord's mercy. Now partake of this foodstuff which will surely bestow all good fortune upon you.

(Anga eats some of the rice and offers some to his wife.)

II BRAHMANA(Aside): There is danger here for this woman is the daughter of death

peronified. I fear the king is too liberal.

I BRAHMANA:(Aside to II Brahmana) You speak the truth but now it is too late. Let us not disturb the mind of the king until the outcome of these events becomes more apparent.

ANGA: Now, great sages, I am greatly indebted to you, for by your mercy this sacrifice has been successfully completed, although the demigods were previously not willing to accept the oblations. Now whatever wealth or property I own is yours, take villages, cows and riches as you desire, I can never repay my debt to you.

I BRAHMANA: My dear king, please be careful in your actions for the outcome of the sacrifice is still uncertain and I cannot say whether or not it will be auspicious.

ANGA: Holy sirs, I am dependent on your mercy.

CURTAIN

SCENE II The Palace of King Anga.

On stage: King Anga.

ANGA: For so long I have been waiting for this moment, when my son will be born. What is the use of my ruling over this kingdom if I have no son to reign after me. But now, by the mercy of Lord Visnu and the brahmanas, surely my life will bring forth a male child. Is this the perfection, the peace for which I am longing? Many nights I have laid awake lamenting and grieving that I had no son. Then I would have given all my vast possessions for such a boon such a boon, yet the Lord has given this gift freely to even the lowest of men. So now the time has come and all of us stand as the lowest slaves to act only as our fates decree.

Enter: Servant

SERVANT: My Lord, surely all the gods are with you now, for although you had given up hope, they have fulfilled all your desires, O mighty Anga, your son is born.

ANGA: O Visnu, you are indeed the saviour of your devotees and now you have delivered me from an ocean of lamentation. I offer my obeisances unto You. Please go at once and send for those saintly brahmanas whose spiritual strength and mercy has now delivered me. Offer my prostrate obesances unto them and beg them to come and offer their blessings to the child.

SERVANT: My Lord, I will.(EXIT)

ANGA: At last, as if a great burden has been removed from my shoulders, I feel relief from all the anxiety that so oppressed me. Now I can live peacefully, knowing that all will not turn to chaos when I die. Surely this is indeed absolute perfection.

Enter: Servant with brahmanas

Holy sirs, beloved of the Supreme Lord, how can I ever repay you for this great benediction that you have bestowed upon me. You mercy is all pervading and therefore it reaches even the fallen kings such as myself who delight only in worldly things.

I BRAHMANA: O noble Anga, know that everything moves in accord with the desire of the Supreme Lord Visnu. This is His will and whether it be for good or for evil should be accepted as such.

ANGA: Why do you say 'for evil'? How could there be anything inauspicious in today's events?

II BRAHMANA: My dear King, although your wife, Sunitha, is the most chaste elevated lady, still she is the daughter of death personified and therefore when you offered her the beverage produced from the sacrificial fire you acted most rashly. Therefore the signs indicate that your son will prove to be a burden to the earth.

ANGA: (To I Brahmana) O my Lord, surely this cannot be true, please set my heart at rest by contradicting this fearful prophesy.

I BRAHMANA: Anga, you are a most pious, devoted man and therefore I am certain that the Lord will indeed deliver you from all your anxiety and lamentation. But always remember that there is no way of understanding how He will arrange things for us and at times it may even seem that He is against us. But if you surrender to His will and take shelter of His lotus feet then the dualities of this temporary world will never harm you. Let your son be callen Vena and may the mercy of Sri Visnu be upon you all the times.(EXIT Brahmanas)

(Anga offers obeisances).

CURTAIN

SCENE III A part near the palace.

ENTER: A deer, followed by Vena. He shoots the deer.

VENA: Ha ha! Another victim for me (Kicks the deer) Pretty little creature aren't you? - or rather weren't you? Ha Ha ha! Now then, let's see what else there is to kill in these woods.(He retures stalking animals).

Enter: 2 citizens talking.

I CITIZEN: O, it's Vena, our cruel prince. Just see how he takes such pleasure inflicting pain on poor harmless creatures. How is it possible that such a personality has taken birth in the family of our most pious King, Anga.

II CITIZEN: But Sunitha, the queen, is the daughter of death personified and now, therefore, a bad influence has entered the royal lineage and just see the result. So many times the king has chastised him for his evil ways but this Vena is a law unto himself and will accept no instruction. I do not like to think what would happen if he were ever to become King.

I CITIZEN: Such a thing is impossible. Do not even mention it. It would never be allowed.

II CITIZEN: Well the noble Anga is now an old man and has no other sons to succeed him. Who can say what will be outcome of these events?

(Vena comes forward)

VENA: Do you old fools have nothing better to do than to stand around gossipping all day. Don't you see that I'm hunting here. Now be off with you before I

become angry.

I CITIZEN: Sir, you have no right to speak to us in such an insulting fashion.

II CITIZWN: Indeed this is an outrage.

VENA: Do you know that I am Vena, the son of king himself? You have angered me

and you will regret your arrogance. (He starts to beat them.) There! Now

perhaps you will learn a little humility before your betters. (He beats I Citizen unconscious, II Citizen runs off). Ha ha ha, everyone runs away at the very sound of may name and those that don't will regret it, just like this old fool.

Enter Anga and II Citizen.

ANGA: Vena, how much longer must I tolerate these outrages. Previously you have killed young boys of your own age and now you turn youwickedness against the

very citiens that it is our duty to protect. I warn you Vena, I will have you most severely beaten for this.

VENA: My dear father, I think it would be better for you not to threaten me. You are an old man and no longer possess you former strength. You have had me beaten before, but did it have any effect? Of course, not, I am not so weakhearted that I can be subdue that easily. Be careful father, don't try my patience too far. (EXIT)

ANGA: O, what is to become of me? I am so unfortunate to have such a wicked son who is a constant source of pain and grief to me. For so long I yearned for a son, praying and longing for such a benediction, but now that my wish is fulfilled it is simply a further cause of anxiety. Surely the whole nature of this material world can be seen in this. There is no pleasure here. All is simply frustration.

II CITIZEN: My Lord. do not grieve. Indeed my heart breaks to see you so afflicted, for you have ever been the most dear friend and protector of your citizens.

ANGA: Thank you on your kindness. Now please take your companion home and be sure he is properly cared for.

II CITIZEN: Yes my Lord.

ANGA: What is left for for me now? My life has slipped by me in a moment, like a cloud drifting across the sky. It seems but a few days since I was a young man filled with the joy and hope of youth. How subtly time betray us, wooing us

like a false lover, with promises of delights to come, whilst silently plundering every last thing we possess. No thing will be left to us, not one single thing. (Pause) I was thinking that to have a bad son like Vena was the end of all my happiness and content, but now I see that in fact it is a great benediction. A good noble son will bind one to the attachments of family life and thus keep one entangled in the falsities of this material world. But for me there is nothing. The Lord in His mercy has stripped me of everything except my devotion to Him. Now is the time to cast off this cloak of darkness. Now is the time to go beyond the illusory dream of birth and death. Now is the time to seek the Lord who loves me more then I can ever imagine. I will take shelter of Him alone. (EXIT)

SCENE IV In the City.

Enter II and III CITIZENS

II CITIZENS: It is certain, I assure you. The king has left us, given up all interest in the world and abandoned all his wealth and positions.

III CITIZEN: Can this truly be so. Why would King Anga do such a thing, leaving the citizens at the mercy of all the rogues and thieves in the country. I cannot believe that such a disaster could have befallen us.

II CITIZEN: I am certain that this is due to his son, Vena. The king's heart has been broken by Vena's rascaldom and misbehaviour and now it must be that he has put aside all thoughts of his realm and citizens. I am greatly afraid of what will now become of us.

Enter I CITIZEN

I CITIZEN: We have searched everywhere and can find no trace of him. Now it is certain the pious Anga has given up all attachement to worldly things and taken to the life of a mendicant. I am certain that we shall never see him again.

III CITIZEN: But what is to become of us, our livlihoods depend on the protection of the king and are we now to be left at the mercy of the thieves and rogues who are always waiting for the opportunity to plunder our wealth and livlihood?

I CITIZEN: The future is black indeed but look here is Bhrgu and the sages. Surely they can guide us in our difficulty. (ENTER BRAHMANAS). My lords, surely you know that King Anga has given up the throne and gone to the forest to live the life of a mendicant. We are greatly afraid of the evil-minded people who will take advantage of this situation to plunder and oppress the honest citizens of the state.

I BRAHMANA: Is it certain that the king will not return to give the protection to those who are dependent upon him?

I CITIZEN: Holy sir, no trace of him can be found even though we have searced far and near.

I BRAHMANA: It is indeed a time of great distress for the people in general when there is no strong government to protect them from sinful people. It is essential that there be a king to rule over the state, a strong king who can instil fear into the hearts of all those who seek to deviate from the path of righteousness. Under the circumstances it seems that there is no alternative but to make Vena the king. (Exclamations). There is no alternative, there must be a strong king to rule the state.

II CITIZEN: But not Vena, the gods forbid that he should ever come to such a position. Why, there is no doubt that he is the most dangerous of all the villains who are threarening us.

III CITIZEN: Surely there must be some other way, what future is there for us, under the rule of such a demoniac king?

II BRAHMANA: There is no other way, already hosts of dacoits are gathering around the city waiting for an opportunity to attack. Unless Vena is made king without further delay everything will be devastated.

II CITIZEN: My Lords, most noble sages, is it possible that you yourselves could become the protectors of the state. Everyone knows that your spiritual potency is far greater than that of any weapon.

III BRAHMANA: This is not possible, we are brahmanas and therefore we must act as such. If we were perform the function of ksatriyas then the whole social order would be put into ruin. There is no other way. Despite his bad character, it is inevitable that Vena must become king.

I CITIZEN: My friends do not discuss the matter any further. The santly brahmanas have given their decision and our duty is simply to obey. Therefore send at once for Sunitha, the mother of Vena and let us hear her decision. (EXIT III CITIZEN). Certainly the situation is very unfortunate, but if we simply have faith in the words of the holy sages then I am sure that everything will be happily resolved. (RE-ENTER III CITIZEN WITH SUNITHA) Noble lady, wife of saintly king Anga, due to the dangerous situation which threatens all of us, these elevated saints, who understand things far beyond the vision of common men, have decided that your son, Vena, should be crowned king.

SUNITHA: Although in the past it is true that Vena has displayed evil qualities I think that if he were to be made king the importance of the position would change his heart and he would become a noble man, suitable in every way to rule over the kingdom. Therefore I will certainly give my permission for him to be made king.

I CITIZEN: Yes, there may well be truth in this. Send for Vena at once. (EXIT III CITIZEN) Our only hope now is that Vena will protect us as well as his father did, certainly he possesses all the attributes of a great warrior. (RE-ENTER III CITIZEN AND VENA) O, Lord Vena, it has been decided by the sages that you should be our king. I pray that you will be as noble a ruler as was your father, Anga.

I BRAHMANA: Here is the crown that was worn by your father. Do not take this honour lightly, O Vena. (He goes to place the crown on Vena's head, but Vena

snatches it and crown himself).

VENA: Now, at last, I have the power which is rightfully mine. Kneel before me, your king, and let me see your humility. (Citizens kneel but brahmanas remain standing). What! Your pride is limitless. Simply because of your learning you arrogantly strut here and there in a vain show, a delusion. You forget so easily that you depend upon us, the ksatriyas, for your protection.

II BRAHMANA: Such words from the king are intolerable, he should be destroyed at once.

I BRAHMANA: Wait, the time is not ripe for such action. Vena, you are a foolish man of small intelligence, but since this great honour has been bestowed upon you, you must act accordingly and protect the citizens from the attacks of rogues and thieves.

VENA: How dare you insult me in this way and then seek to instruct me in my duty. Your time will come, old grey-beards and then we will see how much your learning avails you. As for the rogues and villains, like everyone else they will flee in fear at the very sound of my name, for I am Vena the king and my power is limitless. (EXIT)

II BRAHMANA: That which is rotten can never become wholesome and Vena's heart which is as black as the darkest regions of hell will never be pure.

III BRAHMANA: He will have to be destroyed.

I BRAHMANA: The time is not yet ripe. Let us return to our asramas to perform yajna and thereby satisfied the Lord. Who knows what he intends for us? These events are hard to foretell. (EXIT)

(OPTIONAL BATTLE SCENE)

I BRAHMANA: Noble sages, like a dark cloud the influence of King Vena spreads across the land, bringing calamity and misfortune to all men. Though he has certainly chastised all the thieves and dacoits, he himself has now become an even greater source of distress.

I BRAHMANA: He has forbidden the performance of any sacrifice or religious ceremony. On his order the people are no longer allowed to offer charity or clarified butter.

II BRAHMAN: It is intolerable. For the welfare of both the sages and common men he must be destroyed. It was simply because of an emergency that he was made king, although not qualified. Evil is his very way of life and cruelty his second nature. He must be destoyed.

I BRAHMANA: It is not our duty to interfere in such political dealings, but since this Vena has forbidden our sacrificial performances we are forced to act. Let us approach him with sweet words and see if it is still not possible to change his heart. If we address him with wisdom and logic surely it is possible to soften his anger, even as a serpant may be charmed by mantras.

II BRAHMANA: Very well, we will approach him, but I am not hopeful, for Vena is more dangerous than any serpent.

Curtains open on Vena's Palace

ON STAGE: Vena

I BRAHMANA: Dear king, we have come to give you good advice. Therefore please hear us with great attention and thus your lifespan, opulence, strength and reputation will increase. Those who live by religious principles are certainly promoted to heavenly planets at death, where they enjoy unlimited pleasure.

II BRAHMANA: Therefore you should not cause the people in general to deviate from the path of righteousness. A king who rules piously, protecting the

citizens from rogues will certainly be happy in this world and in the next.

I BRAHMANA: If the king arranges for the worship of Sri Visnu certainly the Lord will be pleased with him and whn the Lord is pleased all good fortune will come to you.

VENA: How much more of your impudence must I be forced to hear? You talk of Lord Visnu, but you do not understand that in the state the king is actually the Supreme Lord. The king is the embodiment of all gods, but simply due to your envy of me you neglect to offer me the proper paraphernalia for worship and therefore you are condemned. There is no-one superior to me and therefore you must kneel before me like worthless beggars.

II BRAHMANA: Enough! Now you have even dared to insult the Supreme Lord and therefore your death is certain.

III BRAHMANA: He must die.

I BRAHMANA: His life is finished.

VENA: You dare to threaten me, old greybeards! Now certainly I will kill you! III BRAHMANA: Your soul is damned, O cursed king, your black heart we will rend. The Lord of death waits at your door - your life is at an end.

II BRAHMANA: Our anger strikes, no more can you your worthless soul dafend.

The Lord of death waits at your door - your life is at an end.

I BRAHMANA: O cruel Vena, now be gone, to the depths of hell descend.

The Lord of death waits at your door - your life is at an end.

(They curse him and he dies)

II BRAHMANA: Now let us depart and return to the forest, it is unfortunate that we have had to become involved in the affirs of the state.

I BRAHMANA: But what will become of the citizens? We have removed one source of misery in the form of this wretched King Vena but now who will give them protection?

III BRAHMANA: No, he is right. It is not proper for us to become entangled in political affairs. Let us return to the forest and continue to perform sacrifices to satisfy the Supreme Lord. (EXIT)

ENTER Sunitha (crying)

SUNITHA: O Vena, my son, now what is to become of me? Due to your sinful acts you have been destroyed by the wrath of the great sages and I am left here alone. You are gone, but in order to keep your memory fresh in my heart I will preserve your body by using oils and mantras. All hail to you, Vena, only son of the great king Anga.

SCENE VI

Outside the City.

ENTER: III CITIZEN

ENTER: II CITIZEN

II CITIZEN: All is finished, our city ransacked and burned. Everywhere thieves are plundering the wealth and homes of the citizens and there is no king to save us.

III CITIZEN: We must flee for our lives. Surely it was better to have a king like Vena than no king at all.

ENTER I CITIZEN running and dishevelled.

I CITIZEN: Quickly leave this place, the dacoits have seized everything I possess, my house is destroyed, my family scattered. You must leave this place for if you are captured they will have no mercy upon you.

(ENTER I BRAHMANA at rear and then Dacoit dragging a woman.

II and III CITIZEN run off.)

My wife! O sir, have you no mercy. You have plundered all my wealth, but please do not harm my wife - live her, I beg you.

DACOIT: Ho ho! Be quiet, you old wretch. I take whetever I desire. Come on.

I CITIZEN: I forbid you. You cannot act in such a way. (He tries to free his wife but dacoit throws him down and stabs him).

DACOIT: I warnwd you. When there is no king we can do as we please. (Shouting to others off stage) Come on, let's away! We have plundered enough here. (EXIT)

I BRAHMANA: (coming forward) This is intolerable. How can we stand unmoved whilst there is such suffering in the world. The situation is impossible; only the Lord Himself can provide a solution. Come, lofty sages, you must use your mystic power. Come to me once more. (Sound of wind and thunder. Enter II and III brahmanas) Sirs, we can no longer ignore the plight of citizens, a final solution must be found.

III BRAHMANA: O Bhrgu, most powerful sages, we will do as you direct us.

I BRAHMANA: (Touches body of I CITIZEN and revives him) Please bring Queen Sunitha here. (EXIT I CITIZEN) In my heart it has been revealed that the Lord intends to appear as an empowered incarnation in the family of King Anga. Since Vena was his only descendant the Lord must appear from his body (Re-enter I CITIZEN with Sunitha and CITIZENS) Queen Sunitha, I have heard that you preserved the body of your son Vena by oils and mantras. Now please let us take possession of this body so that we may use it for the good of all the citizens.

SUNITHA: My Lords, in times of emergency such as this we are all dependent upon your mercy. Therefore I will not try to hinder your instructions.

I BRAHMANA: Please bring here the body of Vena, for a new king is required and he should be of the family of King Anga, the great devotee of the Lord (The citizens go out and return bearing the body of Vena). Now let us churn this thighs and chant the proper mantras. (They churn Vena's thighs and a small dark person - Bahuka - appears from his body).

BAHUKA: Holy sirs, what would you have me do?

I BRAHMANA: Please sit down here. This is Bahuka, born of Vena's sinful activities. Now we may bring forth a completely pure being from his body. (They churn Vena's arms and Prthu and Arci appear from his body).

II BRAHMANA: Surely this is none other than the Supreme Lord Himself and His eternal consort, Laksmi, the Goddess of Fortune.

III BRAHMANA: All glories to Maharaja Prthu, and his wife Arci, who have appeared to remove the burden of the earth.

I BRAHMANA: Now out of His causeless mercy the Lord has appeared to protect the righteous and annihilate the miscreants. While King Prthu rules the earth, all the rogue and thieves will hide in terror, there will be no famie or patilence on earth and all the citizens ruled by him will come to undertand the spiritual values of life. Prthu Maharaj Ki Jai!

ALL: Jai, All glories .... etc. etc.

CURTAIN

END